Hello!
I hope everyone had a great week!
As 2025 approaches I would like to remind you all that this is the time of year individuals and families can enroll in health insurance plans through the Massachusetts Health Connector for coverage in the new year. The Health Connector is a state-based health insurance marketplace that makes shopping for affordable health and dental coverage easier for individuals, families, and small businesses. Open enrollment through the Health Connector is now through January 23rd, 2025.
Friday marked the 388th birthday of the Massachusetts National Guard. On December 13th, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay General Court directed the colony’s existing militia to be organized into three regiments becoming the first components of the U.S. Armed Forces. Here in Massachusetts the brave men and women of the Guard are not only called upon to serve our nation abroad but also here at home. From driving busses filled with students to school to responding to natural disasters, there truly is nothing the Massachusetts National Guard can not do. I am incredibly proud to have joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard last spring to not only continue to serve our great nation but serve our state in new ways.
To all those making their way over to Agawam’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery today to participate in Wreaths Across America- Thank You! It is truly so special to see the hundreds of community members who participate in this annual event remember the lives of those who selflessly served our nation.
This week Team Velis held office hours in Chicopee, West Springfield, and Southampton. As a reminder some of my regularly scheduled office hours were moved around this month due to the holidays. Next week, Team Velis will be hosting office hours on Monday December 16th at the Westfield Council on Aging from 12:30pm to 1:30pm and on Wednesday December 18th at the Holyoke Council on Aging from 10:00am to 11:00am.
If you are unable to make office hours or if you have any questions about the changes to some community’s regularly scheduled office hours this month, please do not hesitate to contact me by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 527-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Happy Holidays!
John Velis